Abstract: The invention relates to a method of depositing Hg1-xCdxTe onto a substrate, in a MOVPE technique, where 0?x?1; comprising the step of reacting together a volatile organotellurium compound, and one or both of (i) a volatile organocadmium compound and (ii) mercury vapour; characterised in that the organotellurium compound is isopropylallyltelluride. The invention also relates to devices, such as infrared sensors and solar cells, that comprise Hg1-xCdxTe materials.

Abstract: Dialkyl SE and TE compounds are prepared by reacting a Na chalcogenide with a alkyl halide in a two-phase system of solvents.

Abstract: Tellurium and selenium alkyls are purified by thermal dissociation of the adduct of the compound with a Group IB or IIB metal.

Abstract: Tellurium and selenium dialkyls are prepared by reacting the corresponding tetrahalide with a Group I metal alkyl.

Abstract: A method of producing a trialkyl gallium compound (R.sub.A).sub.3 Ga, where R.sub.A is selected from methyl and ethyl, includes the step of reacting a gallium trihalide with a Grignard reagent of formula R.sub.A Mg Q, where Q is a halogen, the reaction being carried out in the presence of an ether of the formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2 O having a boiling point at least 50 Celsius degrees above that of the trialkyl gallium compound (R.sub.A).sub.3 Ga, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are organic radicals at least one of which has at least 5 carbon atoms.The organic radicals R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be aromatic and/or aliphatic radicals. They are preferably alkyl or phenyl radicals. Preferably R.sub.1 R.sub.2 O is an ether having a boiling point more than 100.degree. C. above that of the trialkyl gallium compound. The radicals R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may each independently have from 1 to 14 carbon atoms but preferably together R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have between seven and twelve carbon atoms inclusive.Desirably, R.sub.1 R.sub.

Abstract: A method of producing an adduct of an organometallic compound M(R.sup.1).sub.3 where M is either indium or gallium and (R.sup.1).sub.3 represents a plurality of organic radicals which may be the same or different, preferably methyl or ethyl groups, comprising electrolysing, using a sacrificial anode of the metal M, a solution containing components 1 and 2 as follows:component 1: one or more organomagnesium halide compounds R.sup.1 MgX where X is a halide radical selected from Cl, Br and I; where R.sup.1 represents one of the groups contained in (R.sup.1).sub.3 ;component 2: a polar aprotic liquid which is a solvent for component 1, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, di-isopentyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, diphenyl ether or anisole.Preferably, the solution electrolysed additionally contains a third component, component 3, which is one or more organic halides R.sup.1 X.sub.A, where R.sup.1 is one of the groups contained in (R.sup.1).sub.3, X.sub.

Abstract: A method of producing an adduct of an organometallic compound M.sup.1 (R.sup.1).sub.x, where M.sup.1 is a Group II or Group III metallic element and R.sup.1).sub.x represents a plurality of organic radicals, which may be the same or different, x being an integer equal to the valency of M.sup.1, comprises electrolysing, using a sacrificial anode of the metal M.sup.1, a solution containing components A, B and C as follows:A: a magnesium compound MgR.sub.2.sup.1 ;B: a readily ionizable support electrolyte providing relatively large anions and cations;C: a polar aprotic liquid which is a solvent for both components A and B; the metal M.sup.1 being selected from the group consisting of: indium, gallium, cadmium.